complete DSM newbie...lots of questions

[95gsxtreme]

Just bought a 1995 GSX...I read all the tech threads and did some research...after owning an STI I think this will be a lot cheaper to upgrade. So, to the reason for this post: When I was researching there were a ton of brands with a wide range of prices, which of the cheaper brands are considered by hardcore DSM-ers with small budgets to be just as good as the expensive ones? I have the HKS Carbon-TI exhaust on my STI and was stoked when I found it for the GSX...however, it is very expensive, does anyone know if the cheaper exhausts have a similar sound to the HKS? THX for your time, Josh.

 

[UMR98GSX]

I can't necessarily speak for a similar sound as the HKS but there are many cheap, high flowing exhausts out there for our cars. Check the selections some of the sponsors offer. I forget exactly which vendor, but one offers the Apex'i N1 3" downpipe and catback for $699 shipped. I'll try to find it for you.

 

[UMR98GSX]

Found it on Extremepsi.com

http://www.extremepsi.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16895&cat=458&page=1

 

[95gsxtreme]

I just saw a banner at the top of the page that offers the HKS shipped for $609...that's a great price...mainly not just looking for free flowing...but mellow when cruising and at idle but roars at full throttle. The HKS is perfect on my STI, hopefully it will sound just as good on the GSX. I'm looking to put this car in the shop ASAP and go stage 2 w/ about 400 HP and need some ideas for well priced high quality parts...being new to DSM, I don't know who is considered to have the best history and prices. I've found lots of inexpensive aftermarket parts that have the same specs as the more expensive, but I don't know how trustworthy they are. I don't want to end up paying much more for a big name if I can get the same quality elsewhere. If anyone can give me some thoughts I will greatly appreciate it.

 

[95gsxtreme]

thx for that link..that will save me a couple hundred bucks over the HKS since it comes w/ the downpipe...and from a reputable company. Do you have any idea what this APEXi setup sounds like?

 

[UMR98GSX]

If you want cheap, high flowing, mellow at idle and cruising and "In Charge" @ WOT I would reccomend a setup like mine.

3" Megan Racing Downpipe
3" Magnaflow High Flow Cat
3" VRS piping kit
3" in/dual 2.5" out Magnaflow muffler

If you run without a cat you will not need to modify the downpipe, otherwise you will have to shorten it. All in all I spent about $400 in parts and a few more bucks to have my local muffler shop weld it up for me.

It keeps a near stock look, flows like a beast and has a very appealing tone throughout the powerband.

 

[UMR98GSX]

Here is a thread with sound clips from different cars and exhausts. The first clip on there is an N1 on a 2G

Edit: forgot the url http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137124

 

[95gsxtreme]

not bashing your car, but the dual out isn't for me...I like the wide single tip. I'm sure Magnaflow has a plethera of different mufflers. I'm looking for a more 'flow tested' stainless steel system. Having a stainless custom made and mandrel bent costs quite a bit more than ordering a prefab exhaust at the shops around here.

 

[dr1ftx3]

To name a few reputable vendors for DSM's for you...Slowboy Racing, Extremepsi,DSMparts,MachV,buschur racing,turbochargers.com, theres many more but these are very well known for quality DSM parts.

 

[UMR98GSX]

not bashing your car, but the dual out isn't for me...I like the wide single tip. I'm sure Magnaflow has a plethera of different mufflers. I'm looking for a more 'flow tested' stainless steel system. Having a stainless custom made and mandrel bent costs quite a bit more than ordering a prefab exhaust at the shops around here.

If it is stainless that you want then you will want to get the Apex'i GT instead of the N1 because the N1 is only coated steel. Look at spending a few more bones for that combo.

 

[95gsxtreme]

what is the best "bang for the buck" turbo/intake/exhaust manifold/FMIC setup? any opinions? looking for stuff reliable up to 400-500 hp.

 

[UMR98GSX]

Turbo: http://www.slowboyracing.com/more.php?id=5041&

Manifold: Hog out your stocker or replace it with one of these http://www.slowboyracing.com/more.php?id=1891&

Intake: I personally love my FP 4" intake http://linux.forcedperformance.net/...P&Product_Code=FPAIP&Category_Code=DSM-Intake but Dejon Powerhouse( www.dejonpowerhouse.com ) has some nice pieces as well

FMIC: I love my SSAutochrome. Here is a link to the 50+ page thread covering it http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237530&highlight=let's+talk+ebay+fmic

 

[95gsxtreme]

thx guys I really appreciate the help...I'll try to get some car pics on soon, and hopefully some dyno graphs soon to follow. Can you believe I found this 95 GSX w/ only 64000 miles??? I feel blessed.

 

[UMR98GSX]

Wow...64,000 miles! I thought I was blessed when I found mine 2 years ago with 66k on it. Now it has a little over 94k

 

[95gsxtreme]

how difficult was that ssautochrome install, any modification required to fit it? the price is excellent, I'm seriously considering it.

 

[7"exhaust_tip]

make sure the only thing you get from ssautochrome IS that fmic, because the rest of their stuff is absolute garbage.

 

[UMR98GSX]

I ran their tubular O2 housing before I went full T3 and I never had a problem with it either. Some people have had to grind out some holes and have the flanges milled flat but even with machining costs it is cheaper than some of the name brands.

 

[theycallmedalgo]

yeah but how much did you pay for it?